World Bipolar Day is March 30th: What is Bipolar Disorder?

    Today is World Bipolar Day!

 

    If you’re not familiar with bipolar disorder, here’s a summary.

 

    Bipolar disorder causes major mood swings between extreme highs (called mania) and extreme lows (called depression). You may have heard it described as “manic depression” in the past. There is often a stark difference in energy levels as a person goes from mania to depression.

 

    According to the DSM-5, there are two types, bipolar I and bipolar II.

 

    To be diagnosed with bipolar I, a person needs to have experienced at least one manic episode, in addition to the depressive episodes. A manic episode can be determined by a period of elevated or irritable mood and increased energy that lasts for at least one week. A person may also display a decreased need for sleep, increased self-esteem/grandiosity, more talkative than usual, racing thoughts, easily distracted, and an increased involvement in risky or dangerous behaviors (ex. gambling, risky sexual activity, increased shopping, etc.). Some clients say that mania feels so good that they don’t want to take their medications, because they want to keep “riding that high.”

 

    To be diagnosed with bipolar II, a person must experience a hypomanic episode (a less intense manic episode) in addition to depressive episodes. Those with bipolar I also experience hypomanic episodes.

For both types, a major depressive episode is necessary. Symptoms are self-reported over a two-week period. A person may display depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, significant weight loss without trying, insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, decreased ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death/recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan (ex. “I wish I wouldn’t wake up tomorrow.”)/suicide attempt/specific plan for completing suicide.

 

    If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, know that there is help for you! Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a good option, but there are others that work well too. Medications can help stabilize your mood, allowing you to work on your goals.